"Mark" calls on southern people to unite in demanding honest politics, criticizes some parties for still threatening the South and neglecting regional development, and lashes out at the government for failing in flood management and slow relief that worsens villagers' suffering.
At 7:30 p.m. on 2 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the Democrat Party held a major campaign rally in front of Robinson Square in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, led by Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, party leader and the party's number one prime ministerial candidate.
Thousands of residents from Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, and nearby provinces attended to listen. Mr. Abhisit said in part: "I thank the people who took time to support and open their hearts to my decision to return to politics after more than two years away and to resume the position of Democrat Party leader in the past four months. I affirm that throughout my political career, I have had only one party, just as I support only one football team. This reflects the bond I have with the southern people, sharing the same heart and party for over 30 years in politics. Though some advised me not to return to politics because Thai politics has become dominated by money, vested interests, and shadowy capital, I cannot accept politics controlled by dark or black capital that harms the country. Therefore, I have returned to reclaim honest politics for the people and our beloved nation."
He criticized some parties for still threatening the South.
"For 30 years in politics, our Democrat Party has stood by the southern people. We have never abandoned them, even when facing pressure from power and dark money. The South has never given in, and today we will prove that we will not either. Some parties attack us, saying the South has had Democrat MPs for decades but no development has occurred because MPs cannot draft projects or propose budgets themselves; they can only review government budgets and coordinate relevant agencies. Our Democrat Party once managed the Ministry of Transport for only two years and tried to push for dual-track railway infrastructure, but some parties that controlled this ministry for a long time did nothing. Instead, they used politics to threaten that if they were not elected, certain projects would be canceled. This is something the southern people do not accept." Mr. Abhisit said. .
He slammed the government for failing in flood management.
Mr. Abhisit continued, " During the major flooding in Hat Yai district, there was confusion in disaster management. Communication was not unified, and contacting relevant agencies was impossible. Relief was delayed, and the lack of a single command center caused severe hardship for affected people. Declaring a state of emergency then only increased confusion. After the floods, I spoke with the business sector and found many businesses still awaiting relief, low-interest loans, and systematic recovery. But everything was halted due to the dissolution of parliament, delaying emergency budget approval to aid recovery, causing further harm to the people. The Prime Minister said he dissolved parliament to avoid dying in office, but has he considered the lives of Hat Yai residents? If the government requested budget approval for relief, I would support it without objection, only asking that funds reach the people promptly."
Mr. Abhisit added that if the Democrat Party forms the government, it will expedite comprehensive recovery in Hat Yai—not just physical infrastructure but also the economy, tourism, and trade. The party would involve all ministries to solve problems and advance long-term flood prevention projects such as accelerating water drainage to the sea, redesigning urban planning for higher ground, and upgrading disaster agencies to have unified command, clear contact numbers, and evacuation plans understood and practiced by the public.
He concluded by emphasizing that honest politics is the foundation of a strong economy. The Democrat Party will promote transparency in politics to ensure that projects truly benefit the people to the fullest extent.
